Big Brother Sgt. Ron Hinds, USMC, helped Little face challenges . . .

Sgt. Ron Hinds, USMC, was born in Suriname and is fluent in several languages. When he was 11 years old, his family immigrated to America and settled in Brooklyn, NY. In his Brownsville neighborhood, violence claimed many of his friends.

As a teen, Ron found his way out of his tough neighborhood and joined the U.S. Marines. He realized how meaningful life was; he became a volunteer and he earned his degree in criminal justice.

Little Brother Jonathan was born in Honduras where he lost his father to gang violence. When he was four years old, his family came to the U.S. but it was difficult for his mother, Oralia Nataren, to raise four children herself. Jonathan faced many challenges at school and was hanging out with gang members.

When she heard about BBBS’s Hermanos y Hermanas Mayores, Mrs. Nataren enrolled 12-year-old Jonathan. Big Brother Ron elected to be matched with Jonathan because of similar life experiences. Little Brother Jonathan was excited to be matched with a Marine! Ron is assigned to the Pentagon as a General’s aide, so along with recreational activities and tutoring sessions, he also took Jonathan to meet top military officials.

Jonathan learned about the importance of education and to pursue his personal goals. Ron reminded Jonathan to take care of his family, especially his mother because she sacrificed more than anything.

Jonathan recalled thinking, "I want to help my mom, and I want her to feel that I am one of her best accomplishments!" He also wants to join the Marine Corps.